Classic Car

The first Porsche ever built has been untouched since 1902. Officially called the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton, this electric car from 1898 has ‘P1? engraved onto all of the key components standing for Porsche 1, done by the then 23-years old Ferdinand Porsche himself.

The P1 took to the streets of Vienna on June 26, 1898, making it one of the first vehicles registered in Austria. Porsche’s first design included a compact electric drive weighing 286 pounds and offering an output of 3 hp, or up to 5 hp in overloading mode, allowing it to reach up to 22 mph. When driven in this manner, speed was regulated via a 12-speed controller.

The overall range could span up to 50 miles. Under the electric system was coachbuilder Lohner’s alternating vehicle body, which allowed the vehicle to be used all year.